Molinski's first-degree murder charge is reduced

ISLE OF WIGHT - Robert Edward Molinski and Mary Leann Webb pleaded guilty Wednesday in Isle of Wight Circuit Court to charges in connection with the Feb. 14, 2012 death of their 4-month-old daughter, Piper Molinski.

Molinski was the primary caregiver at home for Piper and her twin sister, Ella, on Feb. 12, 2012, when medics were called to the family's Stallings Creek Lane house after Piper stopped breathing. Both infants were transported to Children's Hospital of The King's Daughters, where Piper died on Valentine's Day after being taken off life support, according to court records.

Molinski, originally charged with first-degree murder and aggravated malicious wounding, pleaded guilty to reduced charges of second-degree murder and malicious wounding. He also pleaded guilty to two counts of felony child abuse.He could be sentenced to a maximum of 80 years in prison on the four charges, according to Judge Rodham Delk.

Mary Leann Webb pleaded guilty to two counts of felony child abuse and could receive a sentence of up to 15 years behind bars. The court dropped a charge of involuntary manslaughter against Webb, who remains free on bond until the couple's May 8 sentencing.

An autopsy showed that Piper died from blunt force trauma to the head and had suffered multiple skull fractures, fractured ribs and bruises during her life, according to court records. Ella had multiple abrasions, bruises and broken ribs and a black eye when she was hospitalized, according to court records.